6. Carpet, Hardwood Floors, and Tile Floors
Carpet is wonderful because it helps grip. Unfortunately, some carpets have a lot of frills. This may cause your loved one to trip and perhaps hurt themselves. If this sounds familiar, you may want to include mats where your loved ones usually walk. If you have hardwood or tile floors, be very careful. Add mats and rugs where needed. These floors can be exceptionally slippery after cleaning and waxing. You can also purchase grip slippers or socks for your loved one.
7. Cleaning Chemicals, Medications, Matches
Please keep these out of reach. Your loved one may mistake a bottle of ammonia for a drink. This can be fatal. Do not leave medications hanging around. Some dementia persons have a habit of putting things in their mouths. Matches are a known fire hazard. Your loved one may not be aware of this. Instead, they may just be fiddling around with it and a fire occurs. This also goes for lighters. If you use lighters, try to purchase the child proof kind just in case it is left out in the open.
8. Bathroom
This is especially important if your loved one can bathe themselves. Attach the necessary equipment to the shower and tub. There are several devices that you can use, such as railings for the tub, mats to reduce slipping, and detachable shower heads. If you have a specific problem, contact a supplier in your area and explain the situation. Some of these places are listed under Safety Equipment.
9. Corners in the Home
Too many corners may be confusing for your loved one. Your loved one may become disoriented and lost. If this occurs, give your loved one a tour of the home.
10. Home Alarms
Home Alarms makes us feel secure when alone. If you leave your loved one alone and turn the alarm on, please make sure that your loved one cannot open the door. The noise from the alarm is likely to scare your loved one very much. And, if the alarm goes off and the agency calls for the password, your loved may not be able to answer the phone or answers the phone but cannot give the correct password. Policemen are friendly, but very scary to a person who has no idea what is happening.
11. Nightlights
Nightlights should be used in the evening to illuminate surroundings. You can place these in the kitchen, bathroom, by stairs, and hallway.
